Mila is shaken from her shock by Qidira’s question: “No, Pelc had nobody. Her shop will be boarded up and the contents auctioned, the shop sold. All the proceeds will go to Palebank, with a cut going to Uthodurn no doubt”
As Durnham feeds the potion into Elro’s mouth, Ressys carefully removes the bolts from the elf’s torso. Elro sips gently at first, then gulps, wincing as each thick shaft is drawn from him. You watch as the wounds close immediately; not healed, but not bleeding either.
His eyes remain closed as he listens to your report, then says croakily “This sounds bad. You should get to Irven and secure the other vial, I’ll consult with my records and see what else I can find out about this...Frigid Woe. Mila, go get a team together and secure Croaker Cave. Don’t go in, just watch it. Hulil and her little helper aren’t going anywhere”
At the suggestion that the bandits may have weaponised the spores, Elro’s eyes snap open and Mila backs towards the open shop door, hand over her mouth. Those who search the blades and bolt tips find no sign of the blue powder however, and Ressys sees no sign of poison or disease in the room.
Among the scattered books and trinkets of the shop you find little of interest, although you do note a strange key with a head in the shape of a question mark, hanging from a nail. There is also a rucksack propped in the corner, 2ft in diameter at the top and about 4ft deep.
Among the bandits you find five scimitars, five light crossbows and 57 crossbow bolts, but nothing else.
Pelc’s room contains nothing of interest except the frozen form of the poor shopkeeper.
He turned his eyes to the bolts sticking out of Elro’s torso as Qidira asked Ressys to check if the weapons were not coated by the aeorian plague. When they left the cave, Kotar had thought, albeit for a moment, how the Uttolots could use Frozen Woe either as a merchandise to sell to the highest bidder or as a weapon to destroy their enemies. He considered a more direct use of the spores, something closer to the trap Hulil had put on her chest, but the gnome’s hypothesis was far from impossible. Fortunately, it was also wrong.
Through his ritual magic the druid managed to confirm that there was no sign of the illness, save, of course, for the ice statue that once was Pelc.
“You may want to send word to Uthordurn too, in case Hulil and her apprentice have already left the hideout.” He said to Aldataur remembering the hunts in Eiselcross. To cut any scape route one’s pray might take was usual.“I can’t speak for the others, but if you need my help you know how to find me. And don’t forget to take Tulgi too.”
Kotar was no strange to to doing what is necessary to survive, but there was a difference between that and putting innocents in harm’s way. The bandits could have retreated, after all their enemy was a single Glassblade. Instead, they went for the kill.
“So, to the Jolly Dwarf?” He asked his companions, ready to follow whoever knew the way.
The Dwarf is relieved to find no trace of the blue liquid death on the weapons and when Winterwalker confirms there is no trace of disease the dwarf nods and heaves a sigh of relief. “Yes, the Jolly Dwarf. But a moment first...” he walks to the key hanging near the rucksack “I wonder what this goes to...” He takes the key down from the nail and looks through the rucksack to see what might be inside. “Pelc dealt with my Uncle Urgon... if we have to travel to Eisselcross to find a cure... perhaps there is something here that may aid us. My Uncle has to get supplies from somewhere...”
"Fortunately, it seems, Hulil did not weaponize the spores. That is good. There is no sickness here beyond Pelc having passed and we cannot catch the disease from Pelc, only from the spores. Let's head for the Jolly Dwarf." Ressy says after sharirng his findings after casting the spell.
Qidira nods relieved at Ressys' findings. "I am sorry to have caused concern unnecessarily. Where I'm from it was life to expect the worst and prepare for it. I am grateful for your skills my new friend."
She watches Durnham examine the rucksack, curious to know what he sees inside and where that key goes, but speaks up, "Yes, the Jolly Dwarf seems the next destination. Does Irven Liel visit there or will we find them elsewhere?"
"Irven Liel was staying at the Jolly Dwarf inn while traveling with his family to Uthodurn. We can only hope he is still there." Ressys answers Qidira's question.
"Ah then, yes we should hurry. Elro, will you be ok here with Mila for now? Should we find other Glassblades in town to come assist?" Qidira asks preparing to leave for the Inn. "Oh and may we choose from the bandits gear to fill out our own? If that's ok with you Elro?"
Elro nods painfully at Kotar’s suggestion about alerting Uthodurn “Yes that would be prudent, we will make sure to send a runner”. He catched Mila’s eye, enough to make it clear that he just delegated this task to her.
He turns back to the big goliath “Tulgi is under observation, she isn’t going anywhere. We’re going to find a cure and then she’s going to very gratefully tell us all about her friends down south”
Durnham takes the key down form the nail and finds that as well as the question-mark head it has no teeth at all – just a square block of brass where it would normally be etched to match a specific lock.
The bag is most curious. As Durnham puts his hand in to check for contents, he finds that he can reach down much further than should be possible. Peering in makes him dizzy for a moment, as the inside looks impossibly spacious given the external dimensions.
As you get ready to leave, Elro answers Qidira’s questions “Mila here will hustle up the patrols thank you. I’ll be OK, I’m actually feeling better thanks to you”. The elderly – but hardy – ranger climbs gingerly to his feet, wincing slightly. Mila rushes over and helps him into a chair in the corner of the shop.
“Help yourself to their stuff if you need it, they certainly don’t”. Then he lifts his chin to Durnham examining the key and bag: “And if those disappear to a good cause then, well, Pelc never kept an inventory”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Durnham turns and grins at Elro. “Thank you, this bag is very interesting and will be really helpful for us. I don’t know about this key though... it seems odd...” He then picks up the rucksack and slings it over a shoulder. As he places the key in his pouch he stops a moment and examines it... He feels like he’s read about keys like this in his studies and has a suspicion. 12 Arcana.
After examining the key he slides it into his pouch and takes out the coins found on the bandits and offer them to Elro. “Here. You fought them off alone and have claim to anything these thugs had on them.”
Wether Elro accepts the coins or not, he will pack up the weapons and bolts and toss them in the rucksack before following the others out towards the Jolly Dwarf.
Durnham cannot recall any specific details about the key, but some time spent examining his books might provide more insight (OOC: focusing on the key during a short rest will reveal more detail)
You all leave Pelc's, with Elro and Mila finalising their plans to secure the Lutan sisters and notify Uthodurn of developments.
Durnham leads you through Palebank to the Jolly Dwarf Inn, which Durnham explains is a cozy, two-story inn run by a retired adventurer named Arl Bortock. From outside the Inn looks incredibly inviting, with smoke pouring form the chimney and a warm yellow glow emanating from every window in contrast to the wintry landscape outside.
You step through the front door into a large taproom which dominates the first floor. A gray-haired dwarf behind the bar - Arl - greets you cheerfully as you enter "Hey, look who's back home from the big city! Grab yourselves a table and I'll bring your ales, then you can introduce me to your friends"
In one corner of the taproom two male humans and two tiefling children laugh among themselves as they enjoy a meal together.
Durnham nods to Arl and leads his friends to a table where they can keep an eye on the door for people coming and going. He sits down tiredly, happy to take a much needed break after the adventures of the morning. “Arl is good people. The Ale is the best in town and the food is good. Lots of fish served here of course. I like the fish stew the best.” After that Introduction he lapses into memories of past times spent in the common room inn enjoying a meal with his parents and uncle. Then later with the elvish family, the Moonshadows, that took him in after his parent’s death.
The Moonshadows had always looked after him, even as a child when his parents would go out on their fishing trips. He feels a pang of guilt for not checking in with them since the funeral, there just hasn’t been time. They have always been understanding and he knows they will understand his absence too, but he still feels bad about it.
As he sits and lapses into reminiscent silence, Durnham takes the strange key from Pelc’s out of his pouch and fiddles with it, looking at it from different angles and feeling the strange key in his hands.
Ressys enters the inn and looks around to see who is inside noting the two male humans and two tiefling children. As Durnham takes a seat to rest Ressys gets right to business "Greetings innkeeper. Pleasantries and such will have to wait. We seek a man named Irven Liel who is staying here with family. Is he still here or has he moved on?"
Qidira slips into a seat next to Durnham, back also towards the wall. "You know, I'd take a bet that you have an enchanted key in your hands." She says as he eyes the key.
When Arl comes back to the table, she grasps the ale in too small hands for the mug, "Hello Arl, I am Qidira and a Dwarf's recommendation for your fine Fish Stew is all I need to give it a try. If you would please?" She asks passing him 3 sp - hoping its enough for the ale and stew.
She takes a hearty swig of ale and while waiting for Arl to return with the food, she takes out a tiny mechanical song bird and some tools fidgeting with it. She oils and adjusts while listening to Durnham's tale.
Durnham waves Ressys over to the table. “Come on and sit down Winter. Arl will get to us when he has the drinks. He’s either here or he isn’t. A few minutes isn’t going to matter one way or the other.”
He then turns to Qidira. “I think you’re right. There’s something familiar about it but I can’t remember what... I must have read about it in my studies. You’ve shown that you know a bit about locks and keys, have you seen anything like this before?”
He then removes the rucksack from his shoulder and points the opening towards Qidira. “Take a look at this. This sack here is truly wonderous. Look inside! I definetly remember reading about bags like this. I don’t know any details about it yet but I’ll look it over later too.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Qidira peers at the key. "Curious that question mark there, and why not keyed to a specific lock? I'll have to look over my notes to see if I have anything on this." She then fumbles in her bag and digs out a notebook of sorts. Pages of parchment bound together with string and wrapped in a cloth that appears oiled in an attempt at waterproofing. Flipping through pages filed with tiny notes and an abundance of diagrams. The little bird takes a step and wobbles a little tipping over as she does so. Qidira peeks over the notes at it sighing, "Sorely out of maintenance. I'll fix you up soon little one." She promises it in a whisper and looks back at her notes. arcana6
After a few minutes of searching, she looks back to Durnham, "I don't see anything, but I'll look it over next time we camp."
Looking back at the little bird, "Now for you my little friend." She sets to work again on the mechanical creature.
As everyone gathers he will pass out 4 gold and 6 silver to each of them. “Here, I found these on the bandits at Pelc’s. Elro didn’t want it so I’m splitting it amongst us. We could all use a good meal I’m sure.” He also orders the fish stew as they wait for Arl.
It was only after they left Palc’s store that Kotar remembered the fact that no one asked Elro about Urgon’s travels. If they were to find a cure for Frigid Woe they needed to know what route Durnham’s uncle had taken on his last excursion, and to do so had become part of their reason to meet the Grassblade after leaving the bandit’s cave, yet faced with the elf’s wounds they had completely put that aside. The fighter considered pointing this out as they walked to the Jolly Dwarf, but taking into consideration that they would meet Aldataur later one way or the other he remained in silence. Finding the vial took priority.
The interior of the tavern had a welcoming feeling in comparison to the cold winds outside and even the goliath recognized as much. Behind the bar a gray-haired dwarf receives the group, recognizing Durnham, inviting them to a table and offering a drink. Ressys was fast to introduce himself and ask about Liel.
“I’m not one to refuse good drink and food, but I have to disagree, Durnham.” He says looking at the wizard. “We can eat later but every minute we take can be the minute in which Irvel or someone from his family open the vial.”
The Dwarf nods to Kotar, “you’re right... but... we’ve been at it all morning. If we don’t take a moment from time to time to rest and keep our strength up, we will end up exhausted.”
As he looked through the tavern, Kotar found two human men accompanied for two horned children. Tiefling, their kind was called, he learned in Uthordurn. Until arriving in the city he had no idea that such people existed. Truth be told he knew only of giants, his people and small folk, a term used for basically any humanoid shorter than a goliath. The tieflings weren’t more surprising to him than the elves or dwarves, but he had come to understand that they were rarer.
“You’re right when you say we need to eat.” He says to Durnham, turning his attention back to the wizard. “I have dry food in my backpack. I mean, wet dry food.” The fighter admits, remembering his unintentional dive at the giant frogs’ pool. “It’s not as good as anything from here, I’m sure about that, but can fill us for a day and we can chew it down walking and I have enough for twice as many as we are.”It was a solution, but one too short in ale for his liking. “If Liel is not here we can resort to these rations, if he’s here we talk with him and then I want that fish stew you talked about.”
Ressys dismisses Durnham's offer to come to the table and sit. "I can wait, this is too important. If they have left we'll need to have Elro send a rider after them as quickly as possible."
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Mila is shaken from her shock by Qidira’s question: “No, Pelc had nobody. Her shop will be boarded up and the contents auctioned, the shop sold. All the proceeds will go to Palebank, with a cut going to Uthodurn no doubt”
As Durnham feeds the potion into Elro’s mouth, Ressys carefully removes the bolts from the elf’s torso. Elro sips gently at first, then gulps, wincing as each thick shaft is drawn from him. You watch as the wounds close immediately; not healed, but not bleeding either.
His eyes remain closed as he listens to your report, then says croakily “This sounds bad. You should get to Irven and secure the other vial, I’ll consult with my records and see what else I can find out about this...Frigid Woe. Mila, go get a team together and secure Croaker Cave. Don’t go in, just watch it. Hulil and her little helper aren’t going anywhere”
At the suggestion that the bandits may have weaponised the spores, Elro’s eyes snap open and Mila backs towards the open shop door, hand over her mouth. Those who search the blades and bolt tips find no sign of the blue powder however, and Ressys sees no sign of poison or disease in the room.
Among the scattered books and trinkets of the shop you find little of interest, although you do note a strange key with a head in the shape of a question mark, hanging from a nail. There is also a rucksack propped in the corner, 2ft in diameter at the top and about 4ft deep.
Among the bandits you find five scimitars, five light crossbows and 57 crossbow bolts, but nothing else.
Pelc’s room contains nothing of interest except the frozen form of the poor shopkeeper.
He turned his eyes to the bolts sticking out of Elro’s torso as Qidira asked Ressys to check if the weapons were not coated by the aeorian plague. When they left the cave, Kotar had thought, albeit for a moment, how the Uttolots could use Frozen Woe either as a merchandise to sell to the highest bidder or as a weapon to destroy their enemies. He considered a more direct use of the spores, something closer to the trap Hulil had put on her chest, but the gnome’s hypothesis was far from impossible. Fortunately, it was also wrong.
Through his ritual magic the druid managed to confirm that there was no sign of the illness, save, of course, for the ice statue that once was Pelc.
“You may want to send word to Uthordurn too, in case Hulil and her apprentice have already left the hideout.” He said to Aldataur remembering the hunts in Eiselcross. To cut any scape route one’s pray might take was usual. “I can’t speak for the others, but if you need my help you know how to find me. And don’t forget to take Tulgi too.”
Kotar was no strange to to doing what is necessary to survive, but there was a difference between that and putting innocents in harm’s way. The bandits could have retreated, after all their enemy was a single Glassblade. Instead, they went for the kill.
“So, to the Jolly Dwarf?” He asked his companions, ready to follow whoever knew the way.
The Dwarf is relieved to find no trace of the blue liquid death on the weapons and when Winterwalker confirms there is no trace of disease the dwarf nods and heaves a sigh of relief. “Yes, the Jolly Dwarf. But a moment first...” he walks to the key hanging near the rucksack “I wonder what this goes to...” He takes the key down from the nail and looks through the rucksack to see what might be inside. “Pelc dealt with my Uncle Urgon... if we have to travel to Eisselcross to find a cure... perhaps there is something here that may aid us. My Uncle has to get supplies from somewhere...”
Noob
"Fortunately, it seems, Hulil did not weaponize the spores. That is good. There is no sickness here beyond Pelc having passed and we cannot catch the disease from Pelc, only from the spores. Let's head for the Jolly Dwarf." Ressy says after sharirng his findings after casting the spell.
Qidira nods relieved at Ressys' findings. "I am sorry to have caused concern unnecessarily. Where I'm from it was life to expect the worst and prepare for it. I am grateful for your skills my new friend."
She watches Durnham examine the rucksack, curious to know what he sees inside and where that key goes, but speaks up, "Yes, the Jolly Dwarf seems the next destination. Does Irven Liel visit there or will we find them elsewhere?"
"Irven Liel was staying at the Jolly Dwarf inn while traveling with his family to Uthodurn. We can only hope he is still there." Ressys answers Qidira's question.
"Ah then, yes we should hurry. Elro, will you be ok here with Mila for now? Should we find other Glassblades in town to come assist?" Qidira asks preparing to leave for the Inn. "Oh and may we choose from the bandits gear to fill out our own? If that's ok with you Elro?"
Elro nods painfully at Kotar’s suggestion about alerting Uthodurn “Yes that would be prudent, we will make sure to send a runner”. He catched Mila’s eye, enough to make it clear that he just delegated this task to her.
He turns back to the big goliath “Tulgi is under observation, she isn’t going anywhere. We’re going to find a cure and then she’s going to very gratefully tell us all about her friends down south”
Durnham takes the key down form the nail and finds that as well as the question-mark head it has no teeth at all – just a square block of brass where it would normally be etched to match a specific lock.
The bag is most curious. As Durnham puts his hand in to check for contents, he finds that he can reach down much further than should be possible. Peering in makes him dizzy for a moment, as the inside looks impossibly spacious given the external dimensions.
As you get ready to leave, Elro answers Qidira’s questions “Mila here will hustle up the patrols thank you. I’ll be OK, I’m actually feeling better thanks to you”. The elderly – but hardy – ranger climbs gingerly to his feet, wincing slightly. Mila rushes over and helps him into a chair in the corner of the shop.
“Help yourself to their stuff if you need it, they certainly don’t”. Then he lifts his chin to Durnham examining the key and bag: “And if those disappear to a good cause then, well, Pelc never kept an inventory”
Durnham turns and grins at Elro. “Thank you, this bag is very interesting and will be really helpful for us. I don’t know about this key though... it seems odd...” He then picks up the rucksack and slings it over a shoulder. As he places the key in his pouch he stops a moment and examines it... He feels like he’s read about keys like this in his studies and has a suspicion. 12 Arcana.
After examining the key he slides it into his pouch and takes out the coins found on the bandits and offer them to Elro. “Here. You fought them off alone and have claim to anything these thugs had on them.”
Wether Elro accepts the coins or not, he will pack up the weapons and bolts and toss them in the rucksack before following the others out towards the Jolly Dwarf.
Noob
Durnham cannot recall any specific details about the key, but some time spent examining his books might provide more insight (OOC: focusing on the key during a short rest will reveal more detail)
You all leave Pelc's, with Elro and Mila finalising their plans to secure the Lutan sisters and notify Uthodurn of developments.
Durnham leads you through Palebank to the Jolly Dwarf Inn, which Durnham explains is a cozy, two-story inn run by a retired adventurer named Arl Bortock. From outside the Inn looks incredibly inviting, with smoke pouring form the chimney and a warm yellow glow emanating from every window in contrast to the wintry landscape outside.
You step through the front door into a large taproom which dominates the first floor. A gray-haired dwarf behind the bar - Arl - greets you cheerfully as you enter "Hey, look who's back home from the big city! Grab yourselves a table and I'll bring your ales, then you can introduce me to your friends"
In one corner of the taproom two male humans and two tiefling children laugh among themselves as they enjoy a meal together.
Durnham nods to Arl and leads his friends to a table where they can keep an eye on the door for people coming and going. He sits down tiredly, happy to take a much needed break after the adventures of the morning. “Arl is good people. The Ale is the best in town and the food is good. Lots of fish served here of course. I like the fish stew the best.” After that Introduction he lapses into memories of past times spent in the common room inn enjoying a meal with his parents and uncle. Then later with the elvish family, the Moonshadows, that took him in after his parent’s death.
The Moonshadows had always looked after him, even as a child when his parents would go out on their fishing trips. He feels a pang of guilt for not checking in with them since the funeral, there just hasn’t been time. They have always been understanding and he knows they will understand his absence too, but he still feels bad about it.
As he sits and lapses into reminiscent silence, Durnham takes the strange key from Pelc’s out of his pouch and fiddles with it, looking at it from different angles and feeling the strange key in his hands.
Noob
Ressys enters the inn and looks around to see who is inside noting the two male humans and two tiefling children. As Durnham takes a seat to rest Ressys gets right to business "Greetings innkeeper. Pleasantries and such will have to wait. We seek a man named Irven Liel who is staying here with family. Is he still here or has he moved on?"
Qidira slips into a seat next to Durnham, back also towards the wall. "You know, I'd take a bet that you have an enchanted key in your hands." She says as he eyes the key.
When Arl comes back to the table, she grasps the ale in too small hands for the mug, "Hello Arl, I am Qidira and a Dwarf's recommendation for your fine Fish Stew is all I need to give it a try. If you would please?" She asks passing him 3 sp - hoping its enough for the ale and stew.
She takes a hearty swig of ale and while waiting for Arl to return with the food, she takes out a tiny mechanical song bird and some tools fidgeting with it. She oils and adjusts while listening to Durnham's tale.
Durnham waves Ressys over to the table. “Come on and sit down Winter. Arl will get to us when he has the drinks. He’s either here or he isn’t. A few minutes isn’t going to matter one way or the other.”
He then turns to Qidira. “I think you’re right. There’s something familiar about it but I can’t remember what... I must have read about it in my studies. You’ve shown that you know a bit about locks and keys, have you seen anything like this before?”
He then removes the rucksack from his shoulder and points the opening towards Qidira. “Take a look at this. This sack here is truly wonderous. Look inside! I definetly remember reading about bags like this. I don’t know any details about it yet but I’ll look it over later too.”
Noob
Qidira peers at the key. "Curious that question mark there, and why not keyed to a specific lock? I'll have to look over my notes to see if I have anything on this." She then fumbles in her bag and digs out a notebook of sorts. Pages of parchment bound together with string and wrapped in a cloth that appears oiled in an attempt at waterproofing. Flipping through pages filed with tiny notes and an abundance of diagrams. The little bird takes a step and wobbles a little tipping over as she does so. Qidira peeks over the notes at it sighing, "Sorely out of maintenance. I'll fix you up soon little one." She promises it in a whisper and looks back at her notes. arcana 6
After a few minutes of searching, she looks back to Durnham, "I don't see anything, but I'll look it over next time we camp."
Looking back at the little bird, "Now for you my little friend." She sets to work again on the mechanical creature.
As everyone gathers he will pass out 4 gold and 6 silver to each of them. “Here, I found these on the bandits at Pelc’s. Elro didn’t want it so I’m splitting it amongst us. We could all use a good meal I’m sure.” He also orders the fish stew as they wait for Arl.
Noob
It was only after they left Palc’s store that Kotar remembered the fact that no one asked Elro about Urgon’s travels. If they were to find a cure for Frigid Woe they needed to know what route Durnham’s uncle had taken on his last excursion, and to do so had become part of their reason to meet the Grassblade after leaving the bandit’s cave, yet faced with the elf’s wounds they had completely put that aside. The fighter considered pointing this out as they walked to the Jolly Dwarf, but taking into consideration that they would meet Aldataur later one way or the other he remained in silence. Finding the vial took priority.
The interior of the tavern had a welcoming feeling in comparison to the cold winds outside and even the goliath recognized as much. Behind the bar a gray-haired dwarf receives the group, recognizing Durnham, inviting them to a table and offering a drink. Ressys was fast to introduce himself and ask about Liel.
“I’m not one to refuse good drink and food, but I have to disagree, Durnham.” He says looking at the wizard. “We can eat later but every minute we take can be the minute in which Irvel or someone from his family open the vial.”
The Dwarf nods to Kotar, “you’re right... but... we’ve been at it all morning. If we don’t take a moment from time to time to rest and keep our strength up, we will end up exhausted.”
Noob
As he looked through the tavern, Kotar found two human men accompanied for two horned children. Tiefling, their kind was called, he learned in Uthordurn. Until arriving in the city he had no idea that such people existed. Truth be told he knew only of giants, his people and small folk, a term used for basically any humanoid shorter than a goliath. The tieflings weren’t more surprising to him than the elves or dwarves, but he had come to understand that they were rarer.
“You’re right when you say we need to eat.” He says to Durnham, turning his attention back to the wizard. “I have dry food in my backpack. I mean, wet dry food.” The fighter admits, remembering his unintentional dive at the giant frogs’ pool. “It’s not as good as anything from here, I’m sure about that, but can fill us for a day and we can chew it down walking and I have enough for twice as many as we are.” It was a solution, but one too short in ale for his liking. “If Liel is not here we can resort to these rations, if he’s here we talk with him and then I want that fish stew you talked about.”
In fact, he craved it.
Ressys dismisses Durnham's offer to come to the table and sit. "I can wait, this is too important. If they have left we'll need to have Elro send a rider after them as quickly as possible."